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By Tanner Smith

"use insect repellent that contains DEET"

Record high rainfall prompts increased mosquito populations

Jul 3, 2026 | 3:10 PM

Residents swatting away mosquitoes nonstop and asking themselves, “where do they keep coming from?” are not alone.

According to researchers at the University of Alberta, the current heavy rain-extreme heat cycle the province is in has created the perfect environment for mosquitoes.

Dr. Jumari Snyman, a research associate at U of A says, “after all this nice rain we had, we had really good hot temperatures and mosquitoes actually go through their life cycles more quickly as they get hotter. Because of this hot weather and the nice rain we could actually see an overlap of different generations.”

Dr. Snyman says that with the increased rain, past generations of larvae that never hatched are now also starting to spawn; However researchers were hoping for some relief with the species of mosquito that carries the West Nile Virus, but that may not be the case.

“One of our other species that we do get in Alberta, specifically one that is responsible for the transmission of West Nile virus, actually lays its eggs in standing pools, so standing water next to roads (puddles, and reservoirs), we expected to be flooded away. But as we all know, after rain, we also get standing water again.”

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She says residents should expect this species to be more active later in the summer, but did clarify most cases of West Nile are asymptomatic.

Now, residents are asked to take steps to help prevent these populations from growing even more by removing any puddles or stagnant water that may be home to mosquito larvae.

Dr. Snyman also recommends residents “use insect repellent that contains DEET, (as) it is the most effective. Wearing long sleeves and pants; Also, it has been shown that lighter clothing actually works better, as black clothing and dark clothing can attract mosquitoes.”

In the month of June, Albertans saw 70-155 mm of rain with temperatures surpassing 30 degrees in most places.

by Tanner Smith

Record high rainfall prompts increased mosquito populations

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